A WIRRAL-born soldier’s name has been engraved on the West Kirby war memorial

Nov 4 2009 by Carrie Catterall, Heswall News

A WIRRAL-born soldier’s name has been engraved on the West Kirby war memorial.

Phillip Lawrence, 22, from Birkenhead died on July 27, in Afghanistan, after being caught in an explosion while driving his Scimitar armoured vehicle.

He was the first person from Wirral to die fighting in Afghanistan and his name has now joined a list of others on the World War One memorial located at the top of the hill off Grange Old Road, West Kirby.

Trooper Lawrence, of the Light Dragoons, described by his commanding officer as “utterly selfless”, left his wife Amy and baby daughter Jessica.

He was the eldest of five brothers who were raised in Upton by their mother Gaynor. She said: “Having Phillip’s name engraved on the memorial is an honour but it also reminds me that he’s gone.

“It’s only been about 12 weeks since he died so everything is still very emotional.

“He was due to come home this weekend from his tour, so that is going to be very hard because a part of me still expects him to come home with all his friends.

“I’m proud that at least he died fighting for peace, he died for something really, really good.”

Trooper Lawrence was based in Norwich where he lived with his wife and daughter.

He stayed close to his mum and his brothers Christopher, 20, Liam, 19, Ryan, 13 and Louis, 11.

They described him as a down-to-earth football fan who loved playing practical jokes and grabbing attention on the dancefloor.

Gaynor and two of his younger brothers are travelling to Norwich this weekend to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and celebrate Jessica’s first birthday.

Gaynor said: “It’s going to be a very emotional weekend and I can’t believe Phillip won’t be there with us.

“I’m devastated, but at least he’ll always be remembered for his bravery.”